In The Ethics of Authenticity (c. 1991) political philosopher Charles Taylor discusses the problems inherent in what he calls “instrumental reason.” He explains that we calculate everything according to its cost-benefit ratio without regard to other values. Taylor says there is “...a widespread unease that instrumental reason not only has enlarged its scope but also threatens to take over our lives. The fear is that things that ought to be determined by other criteria will be decided in terms of efficiency or ‘cost-benefit’ analysis, that the independent ends that ought to be guiding our lives will be eclipsed by the demand to maximize output.”
Let me give you a few examples. The Postal Service is losing money, so we must end Saturday deliveries and close local branches, even though that inconveniences millions of people and eliminates an important aspect of our communities. Governor Corbett proposes to bring in revenue by privatizing liquor stores, even though that will mean a decline in our quality of life and the elimination of thousands of jobs. Fracking for natural gas must proceed, even though it will mean polluted groundwater and environmental degradation. People shop at Wal-Mart because items are cheap, even if the employees are mistreated and small shops are driven out of business.
A cynic knows the price of everything and the value of nothing. I googled that line, and supposedly Oscar Wilde said it first. Whoever said it, it is an accurate description of Republican members of congress, Republican presidential candidates, and way too many American citizens.
No comments:
Post a Comment